URGENT UPDATE: A new and critical effort has just been announced to preserve a historic cemetery at Litchfield Plantation in Pawleys Island, SC. The Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy has launched a fundraiser aiming to raise $20,000 to restore and protect the final resting place of approximately 150 slaves who once toiled on this plantation.
The nonprofit is mobilizing support to address years of neglect in the overgrown cemetery, which currently features only a few faded headstones and flags marking burial spots. Immediate funds will be allocated for phase one of the restoration project, which includes the installation of a protective fence and a historical marker at the site.
In a significant technological advancement, the conservancy plans to utilize ground-penetrating radar technology to map the burial locations, ensuring that the memory of those buried is honored and preserved. The cemetery is not just a historical site; it’s a testament to the sacrifices made by individuals who contributed to the plantation’s legacy.
Bob Morrison, president of the conservancy, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“It is something that’s been left undone for so long. This is part of this plantation’s heritage and South Carolina’s heritage as well. These folks gave their time and their blood, sweat, and tears and their lives to make this plantation what it is.”
Plans also include archaeological research aimed at helping to locate living descendants of those buried at Litchfield. Morrison’s passion for the project ignited after meeting a man whose ancestors are interred at the site. He expressed a deep desire to create a place where families can come to remember their loved ones.
The land where the cemetery sits is privately owned, but the owner has generously granted the conservancy a license to undertake this meaningful restoration.
If you want to make a difference, you can donate to the conservancy’s GoFundMe here, or contribute via PayPal or by mailing a check to Litchfield Plantation Cemetery Conservancy, Inc., PO Box 188, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. Your support can play a crucial role in honoring this important aspect of history.
This initiative is not just about preservation; it’s about recognition, respect, and ensuring that the stories of those who came before us are not forgotten. As the fundraising campaign gains traction, every contribution counts towards making this project a reality.
Stay connected for further updates on this urgent cause and how you can help preserve a piece of history that holds profound significance for the community and beyond.
